Man admits damaging homes, collecting insurance money to fix them

One of two men charged with damaging homes throughout Lehigh County to make it appear that hail was the culprit, then making repairs and getting paid through the homeowners' insurance, has pleaded guilty.

Lehigh County Judge Douglas G. Reichley sentenced him to four years of probation. Sadowski must also pay a $2,000 fine and $14,500 in restitution within two years.

Sadowski, who used to have a Sellersville address but now lists Hypoluxo, Fla., as his home, was charged with similar crimes in New Jersey. He was sentenced there Wednesday, receiving 100 hours of community service and four years' probation.

Sadowski's codefendant, Marcin Porzkowski, 36, of Quakertown, failed to show up for a preliminary hearing after his arrest and remains at large, authorities say.

An investigation determined that more than 100 homes may have been intentionally damaged in the scheme, police say.

According to court papers:

The Lehigh County Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Task Force said it received numerous complaints from homeowners, insurance companies and contractors since April 2009 about shady business practices from a company that was soliciting repair work to supposedly hail-damaged homes.

Homeowners said they were unaware their homes had been damaged by storms until representatives from Precision Builders came unannounced and told them they had damage and could repair the work, which would be paid for by their insurance company.

Precision Builders also told the homeowners it would pay any deductible if homeowners advertised the business by placing a sign on their front yard.

Investigators conducted surveillance at homes in Lower Macungie and Salisbury townships and found that home inspectors for Precision Builders were using a screwdriver handle wrapped in duct tape and their knuckles to cause the damage.

Further investigation determined that Porzkowski and Sadowski instructed inspectors on how to cause damage to make it appear as though it had been caused by hail.

Later, insurance company adjusters told detectives the damage was inconsistent with hail.

Detectives said Precision Builders hired Eastern Contracting, Porzkowski's company, to do the repair work on homes. Sadowski was an inspector for the company.

Porzkowski and Sadowski were each charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, insurance fraud, criminal mischief and theft by deception.